If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing, look no further than deviled strawberries. These delectable treats combine the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a creamy, tangy filling and a hint of crunch from crushed graham crackers. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a special treat, deviled strawberries are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
18-24 large strawberries
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
Directions:
Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by cutting off the stems of the strawberries and slicing them in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller, carefully remove a small portion from the center of each half to create a small cavity for the filling.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture in your filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Combine and Fill: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture. Pipe this creamy mixture into the cavity of each prepared strawberry half.
Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the tops of the filled strawberries with crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these deviled strawberries immediately for the best taste and texture.
Serving Tips:
Chill Before Serving: For the best taste and texture, refrigerate deviled strawberries until ready to serve. This helps the filling firm up slightly and keeps the strawberries fresh.
Presentation: Arrange the strawberries on a serving platter with a garnish of fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top for a decadent twist.
Serve Immediately: Deviled strawberries are best enjoyed right after they’re prepared. The graham cracker topping can become soggy if left to sit for too long, so plan to serve them within a couple of hours after assembling.
Portion Control: If serving at a party or gathering, consider using small cocktail forks or toothpicks for easy picking. This helps guests enjoy the treats without needing to use their hands.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover deviled strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the filling from sticking.
Avoid Freezing: It’s best to avoid freezing deviled strawberries as the texture of both the fruit and the cream cheese filling can be compromised. The strawberries may become mushy upon thawing, and the filling may separate.
Graham Cracker Topping: If you need to prepare the strawberries in advance, consider adding the crushed graham crackers just before serving. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the topping and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Related Recipes:
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- No-Bake Strawberry Delight
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
FAQs:
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for deviled strawberries due to their firm texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. However, be aware that frozen strawberries may become mushy once thawed, which could affect the overall texture of the dish. If you do use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before preparing.
How can I make the filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the strawberries. Just before serving, pipe the filling into the strawberry halves and top with crushed graham crackers.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?
If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt will result in a tangier filling, while mascarpone will offer a richer, creamier consistency.
What other toppings can I use besides graham crackers?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Alternatives to graham crackers include crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even toasted coconut flakes. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for added sweetness. Just be sure to add any additional toppings right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Deviled strawberries are not only easy to make but also offer a unique twist on traditional fruit desserts. The combination of rich cream cheese filling and the crispiness of graham crackers creates a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these strawberries will quickly become a favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Deviled Strawberries
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover a delectable twist on strawberries with our Deviled Strawberries recipe! These bite-sized delights feature fresh strawberries filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture and topped with crunchy graham crackers. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a special treat, these Deviled Strawberries are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
18–24 large strawberries
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by cutting off the stems and slicing them in half. Remove a small portion of the center using a melon baller.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pipe the cream cheese filling onto each strawberry half.
- Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, serve the Deviled Strawberries immediately to keep the graham cracker topping crunchy.
You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
Avoid freezing the strawberries as the texture may be affected.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 110 kcal per serving
Keywords: deviled strawberries, strawberry dessert, cream cheese strawberries, party appetizers, easy dessert recipes
